The freelance storyboard artist that I hired continue to impress me. DC’s live-action universe has had an interesting journey, and it’s continued to be unpredictable as movies, directors, and cast members are announced, and then cancelled. One of the still developing projects is Matt Reeves’ Batman movie, which was originally set to penned and helmed by Ben Affleck. Plenty of things have changed since then, and it’s still unclear when the blockbuster might begin filming, or what actor will star as the title character. Fans have also been kept wondering about what Ben Affleck’s original movie would have included, and now we’ve got a taste of its quality from DC storyboard artist Jay Oliva. When he was recently asked about the project on Twitter, he responded, saying:

The original Affleck script was the best Batman script I’ve ever read. Ben had a kick ass story and I believe that the audience and fans would have loved it.

Is anyone else’s FOMO going through the roof? Fans will never see the original Batfleck solo film, and the added knowledge of how good the draft was is like rubbing salt in a wound. Especially as Ben Affleck’s health and professional life remain unclear.

Jay Oliva’ recent Tweet is sure to inspire countless fan theories, as moviegoers wonder what Ben Affleck’s original intentions for The Batman might have been. There have been plenty of rumors throughout the years, ranging from a multi-villain ensemble project in Arkham Asylum, to a more intimate look at Batman’s psyche, and the loss he’d suffered as Gotham’s protector. While Oliva is likely under contract not to reveal the specifics, the DC collaborator still thinks highly of the original draft.

The idea that Ben Affleck’s planned Batman flick was the best Batman script Jay Oliva ever heard is saying something, and will likely trigger the umbrage of the hardcore Christopher Nolan fans out there. Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy are universally acclaimed, even earning Heath Ledger a posthumous Oscar for his role as The Joker. Of course, it’s important to note that Oliva didn’t work as a storyboard artist on that trilogy; but he has done a ton of work on Batman animated films, as well as the live-action DCEU.

Batman is one of the most popular comic book characters of all time, so fans are eager to see him get a new movie in the current DC universe. While Ben Affleck’s version of the character was the best part of Batman v Superman, he’s yet to get his own project to carry. Director Matt Reeves has teased that the role might not be occupied by Ben Affleck, and with the actor currently seeking treatment for his substance abuse problems, he’s especially absent from talks. The Joker will actually end up getting his own movie first, with Todd Phillips directing Joaquin Phoenix as the Clown Prince of Crime.